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Alabama A&M University facts for kids
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Former name
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Huntsville State Normal School for Negroes (1875–1885) State Normal and Industrial School of Huntsville (1885–1896) The State Agricultural and Mechanical College for Negroes (1896–1919) State Agricultural and Mechanical Institute for Negroes (1919–1948) Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical College (1948–1969) |
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| Motto | "Service is Sovereignty" |
| Type | Public historically black land-grant university |
| Established | 1875 |
| Founder | William Hooper Councill |
| Accreditation | SACS |
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Academic affiliations
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| Endowment | $48.0 million (2019) |
| President | Daniel K. Wims |
| Students | 6,001 (Fall 2018) |
| Postgraduates | 963 (Fall 2018) |
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United States
34°46′57″N 86°34′07″W / 34.7826°N 86.5687°W |
| Campus | Midsize city, 880 acres (3.6 km2) |
| Colors | Maroon White |
| Nickname | Bulldogs and Lady Bulldogs |
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Sporting affiliations
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NCAA Division I FCS – SWAC |
| Mascot | Butch |
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Alabama A&M University Historic District
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AAMU Carnegie Library. Built in 1906, it is one of the oldest buildings on campus as a part of the Normal Historic District.
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| Lua error in Module:Location_map at line 420: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value). | |
| Area | 291 acres (118 ha) |
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| Architectural style | Classical Revival, Modern Movement |
| NRHP reference No. | 01001407 |
| Significant dates | |
| Added to NRHP | December 31, 2001 |
Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University (often called Alabama A&M or AAMU) is a public university in Normal, Huntsville, Alabama. It's known as a historically black college or university (HBCU) and a land-grant university.
The university was started in 1875. It got its current name in 1969. AAMU was one of many "normal schools" created in the 1800s. These schools trained teachers for public schools. AAMU was one of 23 such schools for African Americans. Today, AAMU is part of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. It is also approved by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University Historic District has many buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Contents
History of Alabama A&M
William Hooper Councill, who founded the university.
A teacher named William Hooper Councill had an idea for a school. The Alabama State Legislature approved his plan in 1875. This led to the Huntsville State Normal School for Negroes. The school opened on May 1, 1875. It started in a church on Eustis Street with 61 students. Principal Councill and Rev. Alfred Hunt taught them.
By 1878, the state gave more money to the school. It grew and offered more classes. In 1881, the teachers used their own money to buy land. In 1885, the school's name changed to State Normal and Industrial School of Huntsville. This was because it added classes like sewing, printing, carpentry, and gardening.
By 1890, the school's location became known as Normal, Alabama. In 1891, the school became a land-grant university. This happened through a law based on the Morrill Act of 1890. In 1896, its name changed again to The State Agricultural and Mechanical College for Negroes. Later, in 1919, it became the State Agricultural and Mechanical Institute for Negroes. In 1948, it was called the Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical College.
AAMU received full accreditation in 1963. This means it met high standards for education. In June 1969, the school got its current name: Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University.
In the 2000s, the university built new facilities. These included the West Campus Complex and the 21,000-seat Louis Crews Stadium. Many buildings were also updated. Sports programs moved up to NCAA Division I and joined the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). A new engineering building was finished in 2002. A PhD program in Reading and Literacy also started. In 2009, Andrew Hugine Jr. became the 11th president. In 2015, the university started offering scholarships for out-of-state students.
Campus Life and Buildings
The campus was designed by the famous Olmsted Brothers firm. The J.F. Drake Memorial Learning Resources Center was updated in 2002. It gained more space, a special auditorium for distance learning, and new study rooms. The State Black Archives Research Center and Museum is in the James H. Wilson Building. This building is a national historic site. The University Archives on the third floor holds many historical papers and photos about AAMU.
Louis Crews Stadium is a large stadium in Alabama. The Alabama A&M Events Center opened in 2022. It is home to the basketball teams and hosts many events.
In 1994, the Mamie Foster Student Living/Learning Complex was built. Construction also began on the School of Business facility and Louis Crews Stadium in 1995. The Engineering and Technology building, called Bond Hall, opened in 2003. A group called the Normal Historic Preservation Association was formed in 2009. It helps protect the Alabama A&M University National Historic District. The campus has a bus system called the Bulldog Transit Shuttle. A new 600-bed residence hall opened in 2018. Plans for a new Event Center were approved in 2019.
Academics at AAMU
The university offers many different degrees. Students can earn 41 Bachelor's degrees, 23 Master's degrees, and four PhD degrees. There is also a special honors program for students who do very well in their studies.
Colleges and Schools
- College of Agricultural, Life and Natural Sciences
- College of Business and Public Affairs
- College of Education, Humanities, and Behavioral Sciences
- College of Engineering, Technology and Physical Sciences
- School of Graduate Studies
Faculty and Students
- There are 20 students for every one teacher.
- Most classes (86%) have fewer than 40 students.
- There are 348 teachers across all programs.
- Students come from 44 states and 11 other countries.
- In Fall 2018, there were 6,108 students.
- About 42% of new students are attending college for the first time.
- Students can join 93 different clubs and organizations.
- About 75% of students help with community service projects.
National Space Science and Technology Center
The National Space Science and Technology Center (NSSTC) is a special research project. It brings together NASA, Alabama A&M, and six other universities in Alabama. Their goal is to work together on research in science and technology.
Alabama Cooperative Extension System
The Alabama Cooperative Extension System helps people in Alabama. It shares knowledge from Alabama A&M University and Auburn University. This system has over 800 staff members. They work in offices in all 67 counties of Alabama. They also have offices in nine cities. They help people learn about farming, health, and other important topics.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Many students at Alabama A&M University get financial help. In 2017–2018, over 3,700 students received Pell Grants. These grants helped them pay for their education.
Student Life and Activities
The Office of Student Activities and Leadership Development (OSALD) helps students get involved. They offer programs and experiences to help students learn new skills. They also help students become leaders. OSALD works with many student groups, such as:
- Programs and Activities Council
- Student Government Association
- National Pan-Hellenic Council (for Greek letter organizations)
- Social Greek Council
- Student Publications
Marching Maroon & White Band
The Marching Maroon & White is the official marching band of Alabama A&M University. It has over 280 members. The band has performed in the famous Rose Parade. They have also appeared many times at the Honda Battle of the Bands. In 2023, the Marching Maroon & White made history. They were the first HBCU band to lead the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
The band has two special groups: the Dancin' Divas (the dance team) and the Fabulous Flags (the color guard).
Alabama A&M University Choir
The Alabama A&M University Choir made history too. They were the first choir from an HBCU to be invited to the American Choral Festival in Germany. In 2010, they performed at the Alabama Music Educators Association Annual Conference. This was also a first for an HBCU choir in Alabama. In 2014, the choir was invited to perform at the Lincoln Center in New York City.
Other Student Organizations
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AAMU Athletics
Alabama A&M's sports teams are called the Bulldogs and Lady Bulldogs. They play in NCAA Division I. Their football team is part of the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). They compete in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). The school colors are maroon and white. Their mascot is Butch the Bulldog.
Alabama A&M offers many sports for men and women. Men's sports include basketball, football, baseball, golf, tennis, and track & field. Women's sports include tennis, basketball, soccer, track, cross country, bowling, volleyball, and softball. There are also swimming clubs. The football team plays home games at Louis Crews Stadium. Basketball games are played at the Alabama A&M Events Center.
Before joining the SWAC, Alabama A&M was in NCAA Division II. They won many championships in that conference. These included 11 in women's volleyball and seven in football.
Notable Athletes
Many famous athletes have come from Alabama A&M.
- John Stallworth is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He won four Super Bowls with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
- Robert Mathis was an NFL Pro Bowler and Super Bowl Champion.
- Howard Ballard was a two-time NFL Pro Bowler.
- Jearl Miles Clark won an Olympic Gold Medal in track.
- Desmond Cambridge holds an NCAA record for steals in a single season.
- Obie Trotter is 4th all-time in single-season steals.
- Mickell Gladness is 2nd all-time in blocks in a season. He set an NCAA Division I record with 16 blocks in one game in 2007. No other player has ever had 15 blocks in a single Division I game!
Media
Alabama A&M University runs a radio station called WJAB 90.9 FM. It is an National Public Radio affiliate. WJAB broadcasts 24 hours a day. It plays public affairs programs and covers Bulldog sports events live.
Notable Alumni
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William Hooper Councill Founded the University in 1875. -
John Stallworth Pro Football Hall of Famer and Former Pittsburgh Steeler. -
Joseph Lowery Leader in the Civil Rights Movement. -
Robert Mathis Retired Indianapolis Colts Defensive end. -
Jearl Miles Clark Olympic Gold Medalist. -
Ruben Studdard, Contemporary R&B, pop and gospel music singer. -
Don Calloway Attorney and politician. -
Vivian Malone Jones One of the first two African American students at the University of Alabama. -
Frank Kearse NFL Defensive lineman. -
Mandela Barnes Former Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin.
Police Department
The [Alabama A & M University Department of Public Safety] (DPS) is the campus police force. They help keep the campus safe.
See Also
- List of land-grant universities
- List of forestry universities and colleges
- List of agricultural universities and colleges
- List of engineering schools
- List of systems engineering universities
- List of business schools in the United States
- Alabama Cooperative Extension System
- Magic City Classic
- WJAB 90.9 FM Radio